Contact: Susan J. Kittle, Director Business Development
Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority
1-800-FLY-LVIA

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - August 2003 proved to be a record breaking month for the Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA.) Airport officials announced today that passenger traffic hit an all-time high last month. In August, 96,364 travelers utilized LVIA exceeding the highest prior month, October 2000 by 2,243 passengers. August passenger volumes were 31.63% above August 2002. Year-to-date, 642,705 passengers have used the airport, up 22.30% over 2002 figures.
Nearly all airlines at LVIA reported increases. Just under one-third of the passengers were carried on LVIA's newest carrier, Southeast Airlines.

"This is a remarkable accomplishment for the airport. Nationally, air travel remains significantly below pre-September 11 levels," commented George F. Doughty, Executive Director for the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority. Doughty went on to say, "We expect continued growth for the remainder of the year. The response to Southeast Airlines service has been exceptional." Southeast Airlines serves three cities in Florida, as well as, Columbus, Ohio, and Las Vegas.

Lehigh Valley International Airport is located near Allentown, Pennsylvania and is served by Air Canada's Air Georgian, Continental Express, Continental Connection, Delta Connection, Northwest, Southeast, United Express and US Airways Express. LVIA serves a twelve county area with a population base of 3.6 million people. The Airport is easily accessible from communities in eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey areas. Travelers can contact the Lehigh Valley International Airport at 1-800-FLY-LVIA (359-5842) or visit the Airport's website at www.lvia.org for more information on services and facilities.